Portugal 0-1 Spain: Cristiano Ronaldo Left Heartbroken, Merino Stuns Portugal in Stoppage Time
Kathmandu Spain left it until the final moments to break Portugal’s resistance as Mikel Merino scored a dramatic winner in the 90+1st minute to hand his team a hard-fought 1-0 victory. The match looked set for extra time after a tense 90 minutes, but one late attack changed everything.
Football fans witnessed a classic battle between two European rivals. Portugal defended bravely throughout the match, while Spain kept searching for the breakthrough. The winning goal finally arrived deep into stoppage time, sending Spanish players and supporters into huge celebrations.
First Half Full of Tension
The opening half was tight from the first whistle. Spain enjoyed more possession and tried to move the ball quickly through midfield, while Portugal stayed compact and looked dangerous on the counterattack.
Both teams created chances, but neither side could find the finishing touch. Strong defending and excellent goalkeeping kept the score level, and the first half ended 0-0.
Portugal suffered a major setback in the 41st minute when Nuno Mendes was forced off with an injury. His departure changed Portugal’s defensive shape and forced an early adjustment.
Portugal Fights Back After the Break
Portugal refused to sit back after halftime. Every player worked hard to close down space and stop Spain from creating clear chances. The midfield battle became more intense as both sides fought for control.
Nelson Semedo replaced the injured Nuno Mendes in the 56th minute. Later, Portugal introduced Rafael Leão, Diogo Dalot, Bernardo Silva, and Francisco Conceição to add fresh energy during the closing stages.
Spain’s Bench Made the Difference
Spain also made important changes to keep the pressure on Portugal. Fresh players increased the tempo and stretched Portugal’s defence.
- 75th minute: Ferran Torres replaced Álex Baena.
- 85th minute: Mikel Merino replaced Dani Olmo.
- 85th minute: Fabián Ruiz came on for Pedri.
- 90+7th minute: Borja Iglesias replaced Mikel Oyarzabal.
The substitutions gave Spain fresh legs during the most important period of the match.
The Turning Point
Just as extra time seemed certain, Spain launched one final attack in the 90+1st minute. The ball reached Mikel Merino, who stayed calm under pressure and finished brilliantly to beat the Portuguese goalkeeper.
The late goal stunned Portugal. After defending with great determination for almost the entire match, they were finally broken by one moment of quality.
Portugal’s Brave Performance Ends in Heartbreak
Portugal gave everything on the pitch and defended with discipline throughout the evening. Their back line blocked several dangerous attacks, while the midfield worked tirelessly to stop Spain from finding space.
Despite the defeat, Portugal showed fighting spirit and remained competitive until the final seconds. Losing an important player through injury and conceding in stoppage time made the result even more painful.
Mikel Merino Becomes Spain’s Hero
Coming off the bench, Mikel Merino made the biggest impact of the night. His intelligent movement and composed finish turned a balanced contest into a memorable Spanish victory.
The midfielder once again proved why he is such a valuable player, delivering when his team needed him most.
Final Outcome
Spain celebrated a dramatic 1-0 victory after Mikel Merino’s 90+1st-minute winner separated the two sides. Portugal left the pitch disappointed after producing a strong defensive display, while Spain advanced with confidence following another unforgettable late victory.
